Creating a definitive list of the 25 best-selling books of all time is a challenging task, given the complexities of historical sales data and the variations in how books were published and distributed. Books from centuries past often had multiple editions, translations, and adaptations, making it difficult to track exact sales figures. Some were published as serials or in abridged forms, further complicating the process. Additionally, the lack of accurate record-keeping and the tendency of publishers to inflate sales numbers for promotional purposes adds to the difficulty.

To address these challenges, we focused solely on literary fiction, excluding religious texts, self-help guides, political works, and other reference materials. This means classics like the Bible and Mao Tse Tung's Little Red Book, which would otherwise top the list, were omitted. We also excluded certain well-known works such as The Lord of the Rings due to its original serialization, and The Count of Monte Cristo due to the scarcity of reliable sales data from its time.

Now, let's dive into the list. Did your favorite book make the cut? How do you think the quality of these books compares to their sales figures? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And don't forget to check out the best-selling books of 2024 for the latest reading recommendations on your tablet.

25. Anne of Green Gables

### Anne of Green Gables

20See it at AmazonAuthor: L.M. Montgomery

Country: Canada

Publication Date: 1908

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

The enchanting story of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan who finds a home in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, has captivated readers since its release. The heartwarming relationship between Anne and her foster parents, who initially expected a boy, fueled the book's success and inspired seven sequels, with an eighth published posthumously in 2009. Buy here.

24. Heidi

### Heidi

6See it at AmazonAuthor: Johanna Spyri

Country: Switzerland

Publication Date: 1880-1881

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

This beloved children's novel follows the adventures of Heidi, an orphaned girl raised by her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Her friendship with Klara, a wealthy girl from Frankfurt who has lost the ability to walk, brings warmth and growth to both characters, endearing the story to generations of readers.

23. Lolita

### Lolita

9See it at AmazonAuthor: Vladimir Nabokov

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1955

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Initially controversial, Nabokov's Lolita tells the disturbing story of Humbert Humbert, an English professor obsessed with a 12-year-old girl. Despite its challenging subject matter, the novel's literary merit has been recognized worldwide, leading to adaptations into a play, an opera, and two films, including one directed by Stanley Kubrick.

22. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad)

### One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad)

6See it at AmazonAuthor: Gabriel García Márquez

Country: Colombia

Publication Date: 1967

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Gabriel García Márquez's masterpiece weaves a dark and dramatic tale of the Buendía family across seven generations in the fictional town of Macondo. Filled with magical realism, the novel explores themes of cyclical fate and karmic retribution, cementing its place as a cornerstone of Latin American literature.

21. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

### Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

6See it at AmazonAuthor: Lew Wallace

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1880

Estimated Sales: 50 million copies

Lew Wallace's epic novel follows Judah Ben-Hur, who lives during the time of Jesus and witnesses his crucifixion. While the book is famous for its narrative, it is perhaps best remembered today through its iconic film adaptation featuring Charlton Heston and a thrilling chariot race that remains a cinematic classic.

20. The Bridges of Madison County

### The Bridges of Madison County

13See it at AmazonAuthor: Robert James Waller

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1992

Estimated Sales: 60 million copies

This poignant romance novel tells the story of Francesca Johnson, an Italian-American war bride, and her passionate affair with a traveling photographer. Adapted into a film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and later into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, the story has touched hearts around the world.

19. The Catcher in the Rye

### The Catcher in the Rye

7See it at AmazonAuthor: J.D. Salinger

Country: United States

Publication Date: 1951

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

J.D. Salinger's iconic novel captures the angst and confusion of adolescence through the eyes of Holden Caulfield, a prep school dropout who rails against the "phoniness" of the world. Despite being Salinger's only full-length novel, it has left an indelible mark on literature, with rumors of unpublished works still awaiting discovery.

18. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

### Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

16See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 2007

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

The final installment of the Harry Potter series sees Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a perilous quest to defeat Lord Voldemort. Accompanied by intense anti-spoiler efforts and fervent debates over character loyalties, the book was split into two films to fully capture its epic conclusion.

17. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

### Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

9See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 2005

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

In this crucial chapter of the Harry Potter saga, Harry delves deeper into the history and motives of Lord Voldemort. Serving as a precursor to the final showdown, The Half-Blood Prince sets the stage with its rich exposition and character development.

16. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

### Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

10See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 2003

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

The longest book in the series, The Order of the Phoenix, was initially seen as slower-paced but has since been appreciated for its world-building and character expansion. It introduces new allies for Harry and sets the tone for the darker chapters to come.

15. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

### Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

12See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 2000

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

Considered one of the strongest entries in the series, The Goblet of Fire introduces the Triwizard Tournament and marks a turning point with its darker themes and higher stakes. It's a pivotal book that sets the stage for the series' dramatic conclusion.

14. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

### Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

10See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1999

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

Marking a significant leap in storytelling maturity, The Prisoner of Azkaban captivates readers with its thrilling narrative and deeper exploration of Harry's past. The introduction of Sirius Black and the Time-Turner adds layers of intrigue and emotional depth.

13. The Alchemist (O Alquimista)

### The Alchemist

13See it at AmazonAuthor: Paulo Coelho

Country: Brazil

Publication Date: 1988

Estimated Sales: 65 million copies

Paulo Coelho's tale of a Spanish shepherd's journey to Egypt in search of treasure is a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of one's destiny. Initially a commercial failure, The Alchemist eventually became a global phenomenon, reflecting Coelho's belief in fate and the power of dreams.

12. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

### Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

10See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1998

Estimated Sales: 77 million copies

While often considered the weakest link in the series, The Chamber of Secrets expands the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts, introducing key elements of its history and lore. It paves the way for the more complex narratives that follow in subsequent books.

11. The Da Vinci Code

### The Da Vinci Code

9See it at AmazonAuthor: Dan Brown

Country: United States

Publication Date: 2003

Estimated Sales: 80 million copies

Dan Brown's thriller, with its short chapters and gripping narrative, became a cultural phenomenon. Despite mixed critical reception, it sparked widespread interest in its controversial claims about the Catholic Church and the bloodline of Jesus.

10. Vardi Wala Gunda

### Vardi Wala Gunda

5See it at AmazonAuthor: Ved Prakash Sharma

Country: India

Publication Date: 1992

Estimated Sales: 80 million copies

Written in Hindi, this mystery thriller by Ved Prakash Sharma delves into themes of corruption and conspiracy within the police force. As one of Sharma's most successful works, it has garnered a massive following in India.

9. She: A History of Adventure

### She: A History of Adventure

8See it at AmazonAuthor: H. Rider Haggard

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1886

Estimated Sales: 83 million copies

H. Rider Haggard's fantasy novel about explorers discovering a lost kingdom in Africa has influenced countless works in the genre. Its themes of adventure and mysticism have resonated through popular culture, inspiring franchises like Indiana Jones and Tarzan.

8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

### The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

14See it at AmazonAuthor: C.S. Lewis

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1950

Estimated Sales: 85 million copies

C.S. Lewis's timeless tale of four children entering the magical world of Narnia has enchanted readers for generations. The battle between good and evil, embodied by Aslan and the White Witch, forms the backbone of this beloved series, The Chronicles of Narnia.

7. The Hobbit

### The Hobbit

13See it at AmazonAuthor: J.R.R. Tolkien

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1937

Estimated Sales: 100 million copies

Before The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien introduced readers to the adventures of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit. This children's book, later integrated into the larger Middle-earth saga, has become a cornerstone of fantasy literature.

6. Dream of the Red Chamber

### Dream of the Red Chamber

4See it at AmazonAuthor: Cao Xueqin

Country: China

Publication Date: 1791

Estimated Sales: 100 million copies

Considered one of China's greatest novels, Dream of the Red Chamber offers a rich portrayal of a noble family's rise and fall during the Qing Dynasty. Its nuanced depiction of female characters and intricate plot have secured its place in literary history.

5. And Then There Were None

### And Then There Were None

8See it at AmazonAuthor: Agatha Christie

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1939

Estimated Sales: 100 million copies

Agatha Christie's gripping murder mystery follows ten strangers trapped on an island, where they are picked off one by one. Regarded by Christie as one of her best works, this novel showcases her mastery of suspense and plot twists.

4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

### Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

18See it at AmazonAuthor: J.K. Rowling

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1997

Estimated Sales: 120 million copies

The book that started it all, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone introduces readers to the magical world of Hogwarts and the adventures of Harry Potter. Its blend of wonder, humor, and heart has captured the imaginations of millions worldwide.

3. The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince)

### The Little Prince

10See it at AmazonAuthor: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Country: France

Publication Date: 1943

Estimated Sales: 140 million copies

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's timeless fable, The Little Prince, explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition through the journey of a young prince across the universe. Its poetic beauty and profound insights continue to resonate with readers of all ages.

2. A Tale of Two Cities

### A Tale of Two Cities

12See it at AmazonAuthor: Charles Dickens

Country: United Kingdom

Publication Date: 1859

Estimated Sales: 200 million copies

Charles Dickens's historical novel set during the French Revolution opens with the famous line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." This epic tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption remains one of the most widely read and admired works of literature.

1. Don Quixote

### Don Quixote

24See it at AmazonAuthor: Miguel de Cervantes

Country: Spain

Publication Date: 1605 (Part One), 1615 (Part Two)

Estimated Sales: 500 million copies

Miguel de Cervantes's masterpiece, Don Quixote, follows the adventures of a delusional knight and his loyal squire. Its exploration of reality versus illusion, along with iconic scenes like the battle with the windmills, has made it a timeless classic.

Best Selling Books in 2024

Identifying the best-selling books of 2024 is more straightforward, thanks to platforms like Amazon. Here are the top 10 books of the year according to Amazon's best-sellers list, which includes a mix of New York Times bestsellers and other notable new releases:

• The Women - Kristin Hannah
• Onyx Storm - Rebecca Yarros
• Atomic Habits - James Clear
• Hillbilly Elegy - J.D. Vance
• The Housemaid - Freida McFadden
• Mom, I want to Hear Your Story - Jeffrey Mason
• Dad, I want to Hear Your Story - Jeffrey Mason
• The Anxious Generation - Jonathan Haidt
• It Ends With Us - Colleen Hoover
• Good Energy - Casey Means M.D

Looking for more books?

Explore our guide to the Game of Thrones books in order or discover our favorite horror books to read right now.